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Here's the progress I'm making so far with my scratch build pack. It's coming along smoothly, if slowly! Let me first commend Wizard for creating these blueprints! What a tremendous help to the community! Instead of searching countless hours, days, months, etc. for the same shape/size parts, it's actually very easy to build them from sheet styrene. Both myself, and KahunaFett are building JPs this way with little trouble. Here are some pointers: 1. Buy the .60 thickness sheet styrene. (about 1/16) It cuts easliy with a matknife or scissors. You'll shoot yourself with anything thicker! 2. Crazy glue does not work very well. Modelers super glue from Michaels works better, but set-up time is longer. It's solvent based, and melts the plastic together for a strong bond. 3. Marine 2-part expoxy putty works WONDERS!! (Thanks Big Kahuna!) A tad expensive though...
Without further ado, here's where I'm at right now, more complete than it may look:

It's going together splendidly! I have it in sections right now, but I'm going to drill holes through each piece and put a threaded rod through the center. This should add plenty of support, and leave a bit on the end to thread onto the pack. (Making the missile removeable) As a side note. Michaels sells dense styrofoam cones that work perfectly to wrap the two missile cones around. This provides support without hardly any weight, rather than using bondo, resin or putty. Next the pack body...

On that note; I have your plans, but have not tackled them as yet. The only questions I have are this: There are no templates for the top and bottom caps of the main JP tubes, as well as the piano keys. A numbered build order diagram like on the missile would be dandy too, but not crucial. Thank you again for Dedicating your time and energy for this.

Here's the update on mt scratch build JP, rocket section: It's fully assembled and glued, drilled down the center of each section and a threaded metal rod running down the entire length, with a 1.5" shank sticking out of the base unit. This will enable it to be threaded onto the pack body for easy removal. There is still some finishing to be done before it's primed and painted, but I think we're in good shape thusfar.

I like what you have so far......looks good. That foam you got working there is a good idea. Tell me it's not awesome working with Wizardofflight's blueprints........I just started this project here and he's making things so easy for us! How are you going to handle the thruster balls and such? I'm having difficulty figuring this out.

I'm thinking of plumbing fittins and such for the thruster balls & cones. Though the cones I can make from styrene anyway. Yes, WoF has been a priceless help in this endeavor. Saving us TONS of time!!!! There is still a good deal of finishing still to go, but I wanted to show my progress.

Seriously, I have given that some thought, and consulted Wizard for his blessing. (After all, they are made from his templates) I have never moulded or cast anything before, but I hear it's not very difficult. The only drawback, I hear, is that your original could be harmed in the process. It's not likely, because this thing is study as all heck! I'm starting on the pack body now, so once that is done it will give me an indication on whether I want to cast the rocket/body at all. It's under consideration. Again, much appreciation and "props" (heh heh) go to Wizard of Flight!

Hi all,
I'm new to TDH but have been reading all your post for some time now and they are great guides etc Thankyou

Now I may be able to give something back in return as I do a lot of molding and modelling.

Shinobi_fett:
The product I would recommend to use for casting is called "UltraSil" It is a 2 part Silicone based product that is used in the movie industry (Like in Lord of the rings series etc) and it does not damage the master in any way, there is not need for parting agents to be used.

It is very easy to work with and holds details very well, you can also get a couple of thousand cast out of it depending on the Product you use for casting. (I use EaseCast, which sets in about 10 mins and is like a cross between Plastic and Resin and does not damage the mold)

UltraSil is more versatile than latex based molds, and holds more detail than plaster/sand/fibreglass molds.

I hope this helps if you decide to cast the rocket.
BTW it looks great

That knowledge will be extremely helpful for me, as I do not wish to harm the piece that I put SO much work into. I think I will still wait untill the pack body is complete, but this arms me with a better plan! Thanks again!

Dang! nice rocket, Shinobi! i know it might be a looonnnggggg while since this thread was started, but still, nice!

i noticed The modeler's hobby glue ( i think it is, or is it the epoxy putty?) in the first pic of the first post of this thread. I saw the glue somewhere in a 99 Cents store, at where i live. it probably costed only 99 cents ( i mean, why is the store named it in the first place?). how much did it cost for you, and was the brand a company named "super glue" ( i think it was the name of the company)?

Well, no "real" progress on the pack just yet, but I made a tiny scale mock-up, just to see how all the parts fit together. Thought I'd share it. It's a bit goofy looking, and looks like a tape explosion, but gave me the idea I need on how to assemble once I've got the parts cut out.

Question: Did you print out the jet pack blueprints on standard 8X11 paper, or did you go to Kinkos and get them to print it on their huge paper? Only reason I ask is I'm starting on a costume (Jodo though) and downloaded WOF's BP's and didn't know how big I needed em.

Well, I'm in Advertising Pre-press, so I have access to large format printers. I printed my templates out on an HP Design Jet 36" wide printer. So yeah, I'd say bring 'em to kinkos. I find cutting and pasting 8.5x11 pages to be a nuisance.